Are you noticing this too? It seems that 'more calcium' is the catch-cry of so many food advertisements lately. You could be forgiven for thinking that the more calcium you take in, the stronger your bones will be. Er, not quite. There is one very complex biochemical regulator of how much calcium you actually take in from your diet.
So who's in charge here? Your body very carefully and constantly monitors your blood levels of calcium to keep it within normal limits. Your cells are totally dependant on the right amounts of calcium being present, particularly nerve and muscle cells. (The very cells used for thinking and moving. Pretty important.)
If your blood calcium drops below acceptable levels, your parathyroid gland starts issuing instructions to take fast action. It directs your kidneys to stop releasing calcium in your urine; for osteoclasts (bone remodelling cells) to start mining your bones for more calcium, and for your gut to become more diligent in absorbing calcium from food (via calcitrol, the active form of vitamin D).
And there's the catch. Your body can only absorb calcium from your food if there is enough digestive enzymes available, and if your gastric acidity is the right pH. Otherwise it passes through your gut unabsorbed. Our gut acidity tends to wane as we age, as does our production of digestive enzymes; So you could be eating lots of calcium-rich foods, even taking calcium supplements, and not receiving the benefits.
There are a couple of old home remedies for improving the production of your digestive enzymes, which will improve the absorption of all your food (not just calcium). Important note: People taking medications for hyperacidity, reflux, heartburn or stomach ulcers should check with their health practitioner before trying these home remedies.
- European cultures often enjoy a 'bitter' drink just prior to a meal. The bitter taste acts through your nervous system to stimulate your stomach lining to produce more digestive enzymes. Sometimes this was a drink made of bitter herbs, sometimes they chewed on a bitter leaf, like Rocket.
- Apple cider vinegar may help improve the acidity of your stomach, improving your digestion. Start with one teaspoon in a glass of water, and gradually increase the concentration over the next few days to a maximum of one tablespoon of cider in a small glass of water. Enjoy just before each meal.
If you feel your digestion isn't quite right, you might be missing out on many other minerals too, particularly if your bowels are inflamed. If that's the case, its important to address your bowel health first.
P.S. Also enjoy my article on osteoporosis, here ("Could Line Dancing Save You From Osteoporosis?")
So who's in charge here? Your body very carefully and constantly monitors your blood levels of calcium to keep it within normal limits. Your cells are totally dependant on the right amounts of calcium being present, particularly nerve and muscle cells. (The very cells used for thinking and moving. Pretty important.)
If your blood calcium drops below acceptable levels, your parathyroid gland starts issuing instructions to take fast action. It directs your kidneys to stop releasing calcium in your urine; for osteoclasts (bone remodelling cells) to start mining your bones for more calcium, and for your gut to become more diligent in absorbing calcium from food (via calcitrol, the active form of vitamin D).
And there's the catch. Your body can only absorb calcium from your food if there is enough digestive enzymes available, and if your gastric acidity is the right pH. Otherwise it passes through your gut unabsorbed. Our gut acidity tends to wane as we age, as does our production of digestive enzymes; So you could be eating lots of calcium-rich foods, even taking calcium supplements, and not receiving the benefits.
There are a couple of old home remedies for improving the production of your digestive enzymes, which will improve the absorption of all your food (not just calcium). Important note: People taking medications for hyperacidity, reflux, heartburn or stomach ulcers should check with their health practitioner before trying these home remedies.
- European cultures often enjoy a 'bitter' drink just prior to a meal. The bitter taste acts through your nervous system to stimulate your stomach lining to produce more digestive enzymes. Sometimes this was a drink made of bitter herbs, sometimes they chewed on a bitter leaf, like Rocket.
- Apple cider vinegar may help improve the acidity of your stomach, improving your digestion. Start with one teaspoon in a glass of water, and gradually increase the concentration over the next few days to a maximum of one tablespoon of cider in a small glass of water. Enjoy just before each meal.
If you feel your digestion isn't quite right, you might be missing out on many other minerals too, particularly if your bowels are inflamed. If that's the case, its important to address your bowel health first.
P.S. Also enjoy my article on osteoporosis, here ("Could Line Dancing Save You From Osteoporosis?")